Word Origin & History

proletarian 1658 (n.), 1663 (adj.), from L. proletarius "citizen of the lowest class," in ancient Rome, propertyless people, exempted from taxes and military service, who served the state only by having children; from proles "offspring, progeny" (see prolific).

Example Sentences for proletarian

The unions and the party have therefore an equally important task to perform in the struggle for proletarian emancipation.

He mows down a proletarian and a Marshall Field with the same scythe.

Under no condition will a proletarian government be able to keep within the limits of this distinction.

The proletarian beat the table like a drum in praise of Paris.

This complicates the negro problem, but does not alter its proletarian character.

The African is not a proletarian in the world of science and art.

The number of proletarian women who reach this insight is every year larger.

That of course, is almost a definition of the word 'proletarian'.

You are impressed that these proletarian town governments are trying to destroy poverty.

But how is it with him who has nothing to lose, how with the proletarian?